Hall-effect sensor IC enables precise current sensing

Allegro MicroSystems Inc. announces an open loop Hall-effect sensor IC with near closed loop performance in accuracy and bandwidth. Allegro’s ACS716 current sensor IC provides an economical and precise means for current sensing applications in industrial, commercial, and communications systems. The device is offered in a small footprint, surface mount package that allows easy implementation in applications, and is optimized for 3.3 V supply operation.

The ACS716 consists of a precision linear Hall sensor integrated circuit with a copper conduction path located near the surface of the silicon die. Applied current flows through the copper conduction path, and the analog output voltage from the Hall sensor IC linearly tracks the magnetic field generated by the applied current. The accuracy of the ACS716 is maximized with this packaging configuration because the Hall element is situated in extremely close proximity to the current to be measured.

High level immunity to current conductor dV/dt and stray electric fields, due to integrated shield technology, enables low ripple at output and low offset drift in high-side, high voltage applications. The voltage on the overcurrent input (VOC pin) allows customers to define an overcurrent fault threshold for the device. When the current flowing through the copper conduction path (between the IP+ and IP– pins) exceeds this threshold, the open drain overcurrent fault pin will transition to a logic low state. Factory programming of the linear Hall sensor IC inside of the ACS716 results in exceptional accuracy in both analog and digital output signals.

The internal resistance of the copper path used for current sensing is typically 1 mΩ, for low power loss. Also, the current conduction path is electrically isolated from the low voltage sensor inputs and outputs. This allows the ACS716 family of sensor ICs to be used in applications requiring electrical isolation, without the use of opto-isolators or other costly isolation techniques.

For more information, contact Allegro MicroSystems, 115 Northeast Cutoff, Worcester, MA 01606. Phone: (508) 853-5000.